Minister for Energy Matthew Groom today announced the make-up of the three-person Tasmanian Energy Security Taskforce.

As previously announced, the Taskforce will be chaired by Mr. Geoff Willis AM, the former chairman of Aurora Energy. Mr. Willis will be joined on the Taskforce by Ms. Sibylle Krieger and Mr. Tony Concannon.

Ms. Sibylle Krieger is a current non-executive director of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and a former member of Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in NSW.

Mr. Tony Concannon is the current Chair of Reach Solar Energy, a former executive director of International Power and previous Chair of the Electricity Supply Association of Australia.

Both Ms. Krieger and Mr. Concannon bring a wealth of national experience in the energy sector and an independent perspective to the work of the Taskforce.

The Taskforce will undertake an independent energy security risk assessment for Tasmania having regards to:

Best practice water management;

Tasmania’s future load growth opportunities and risks;

The opportunity for further renewable energy development;

Likely developments in technology including battery storage and electric vehicles;

Tasmania’s future exposure to gas price risk;

The potential impact of climate change on energy security and supply;

A review of energy security oversight arrangements.

“The work of the Taskforce is very important to the future of energy in Tasmania. It’s an opportunity to identify the measures necessary to help future proof Tasmania from the types of energy security challenges we have been dealing with in recent months.” Mr. Groom said.

“It’s also an opportunity to better understand the potential for Tasmania to undertake further large scale renewable development.”

The Taskforce will deliver a draft report within six months, with its final report is to be provided to Government within 12 months.